2025: near but far
Here I am at the side of the bed trying to compose the thoughts in mind. With the birds chirping, and the chicken chuckling morning greetings and tricycle pass by as the background.
Its early but still on bed. Totally different if I am in my hometown. This time around I probably have gotten up and feed the chicken, water the plants, greet my Nanay and Tatay and enjoying hot salabat while planning what to do for the day.
But here in the Island City, it is likely that we stayed in the house whole day. As long as the laundry is done I can relax already. While being in the room trying to get back to sleep which I couldn't, better not waste this morning and be productive.
I browse the gallery, I have still so much to tell. My vacation to home and so much more. Near but far, I choose to work here in Cebu because it is near to my hometown Leyte. So I could go home easily when there are long holidays.
Far because, I have to sail it by boat for 6 hours. I am okay with it for now but the travel is not always convenient especially if its peak seasons. There are lots of passengers going and coming. It is exhausting to get trap in a crowd. But it a what it is during holidays.
Island City life is so much different than laid back hometown, I keep on comparing the two because each one has significance in my life. Here, where I work to earn a living but the latter is where I am hoping to live someday. I couldn't do it in one place yet. I hope the path will align soon.
I traveled home with my brother and his wife and the kids. This doesn't happen often when we both come home together because of schedule. I was glad I saw them at the port.
The kids now can experience a different place. I wonder if they can recall them when they grow up. Out double deck was at the rear side of the boat, it was a day travel and that was uncomfortable. The heat and the sweat. But all in all a safe sea voyage. Still grateful 🙏.
We arrived home at last. Our Nanay and Tatay seems were happy. The reason for me to choose to be near is to see there smiles, share their pains and talk and catch up and a warm 🫂 hug.
We could also enjoy the nature. The mountains and the rivers. We could stop by and appreciate the flowers. The kids can run around freely.
We prepared food and ate together. I couldn't exchange it for any trip.
I had time for family and friends. The talks and laughs that was unending until its afternoon . The best gift that I can give to them. The time is always gone fast when in holiday break. We had to say goodbye again and a promise to get back soon.
That is all for the morning. Happy Pentecost Sunday today.
Thankyou you for sharing such a heartfelt reflection-It beautifully captures the contrast between city life in Cebu and the warmth of your hometown in Leyte. The love for family, and the small yet meaningful moments that make going to home so special. It's a touching reminder of how distance may separate us physically, but love and intention always bring back as home. Enjoy Sunday @amayphin
When you feel suffocated with living in a city, going back to our mother provinces is sometimes the escape we need. Nothing compares the fresh air in the province. And the free food like fruits and vegetables along the road.